Author Topic: History of Daimler-Chrysler Merger  (Read 2407 times)

Tyler S

  • Associate Member
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, Encinitas
  • Posts: 1613
History of Daimler-Chrysler Merger
« on: March 13, 2017, 16:14:35 »
Hi all, Just wanted to share a video from a Youtube channel I subscribe to.
This channel normally focuses on reviews of everyday cars from years past (Regular Car Reviews). However they have put together a half hour narration about the Daimler Chrysler merger. Its pretty in depth with a lot of history and detail of both companies.
Enjoy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRmzd1AB4kc
1968 (67) 250sl. 4 speed manual. DB180 Silver
1955 220 Cabriolet A. White Grey
2019 E450 Wagon. Majestic Blue
1936 Ford PU Flathead V8. Creme on tan interior.
1989 Volkswagen T3 Westfailia Campmobile. Dove Grey (blue)

mdsalemi

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, NC, Davidson
  • Posts: 7058
Re: History of Daimler-Chrysler Merger
« Reply #1 on: March 13, 2017, 16:54:09 »
While interesting, if you really want in-depth (without the cute-sy video stuff like the list of "also founded in 1925" and songs from 1987) of the failed merger, check out this book:

Taken for a Ride: How Daimler-Benz Drove Off With Chrysler
by Bill Vlasic and Brad Stertz
http://a.co/56Eocb1

Bill Vlasic (currently Detroit Bureau Chief of the NYT) and Bradley Stertz (currently Director of Government Affairs at Audi) are both and were both at the time of publication highly respected automotive journalists.

While touted as  "Merger of Equals" when it happened, it is now viewed as an abject failure of monumental proportion, and is the topic of many an MBA program's case studies. Nowhere was this felt more deeply than in this locality in Michigan that I call home.

As a lighthearted aside, during the darkest days of this merger--one local teen was driving around in a completely beat up, dented, rusted and abused "K-Car". Normally, the K-car when new had an ersatz crystal Chrysler Pentastar hood ornament. Gone was the Pentastar, replaced with a three point star from an old Mercedes...guess you had to be living here at this time to appreciate the humorous irony.
Michael Salemi
Davidson, North Carolina (Charlotte Area) USA
1969 280SL (USA-Spec)
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
2023 Ford Maverick Lariat Hybrid "Area 51"
2023 Ford Escape Hybrid
2024 Ford Mustang Mach Ex PEV

Jonny B

  • Pagoda SL Board
  • Platinum
  • ******
  • USA, CA, San Marcos
  • Posts: 4198
Re: History of Daimler-Chrysler Merger
« Reply #2 on: March 13, 2017, 18:15:24 »
I would most definitely agree with my esteemed colleague Mr. Salemi. "Taken for a Ride" is an excellent view and a good read.
Jonny B
1967 250 SL Auto, DB 568
1970 280 SL Auto, DB 904
1966 Morris Mini Minor